6 Ways to Settle the Score

To score or not to score? This question faces anyone creating a printed piece that must be folded before mailing, display, or delivery. While in some cases folding without scoring will be sufficient, in others, scoring eliminates any color cracking on the fold and can make all the difference in producing an elegant final result.

The top consideration in whether or not to score a printed piece is the thickness of the paper being used for the project. As a general rule, paper that is 100 lbs. or heavier should be scored before folding. Other instances where scoring the paper is recommended would include:

Budget cuts typically mean that scoring is the first to go, but you may seriously want to reconsider. The risk of not scoring a folded piece includes unsightly creases and buckling around the folded area.

You have a number of options when it comes to scoring a printed piece. The highest quality scoring process is called the Letterpress Score, but here are six other scoring options commonly available as well:

1) Letterpress Score

A steel rule is formed in the desired shape and braced in wood affixed to a metal frame. Paper is then pushed between the steel form and the press.

2) Rotary Score

This process utilizes a pressurized roller system to make the score.

3) Litho Score

Also known as a "press score," a metal rule with a heated back is attached to the impression cylinder, and a scoring rule makes the crease as the paper runs underneath it.

4) Heat Score

This technique is most effective on heavier coated paper stocks and involves heating a copper die to around 350 degrees.

5) Wet Score

A directed stream of water moistens the area where a fold is required. (Not recommended on coated papers.)

6) Impact Score (Electronic Knife)

A knife with a fixed-width steel rule strikes the sheet within a channel to create the score and crease.

We're here to help you settle the score! You might want to know about different scoring options, but you certainly don't need to worry about the best way to get the perfect score. That's our job. If you have questions about whether scoring your printed project is the best option, give us a call. You'll receive guidance on the best options for your folded piece so that you can create a result you and your customers will love!

REVIEWPaper Folding Templates for Print Design is a comprehensive visual resource for anyone who designs or produces folded materials for print and direct mail. Brought to you by the industry's authority on folding, Trish Witkowski of foldfactory.com, Trish provides content that is both enlightening and interesting to read. Based upon 15 years of studying and collecting folded materials from around the globe, she starts with folding basics and quickly moves on to trends, techniques and low budget tricks that will help you break out of your folding rut.

On a budget? Paper Folding Templates will take you way beyond the tri-fold without breaking the bank. Got a special project? The high budget splurges chapter does not disappoint. Paper Folding Templates will surprise you with folded formats and techniques you've never thought of, and will introduce you to additional categories such as dimensional, proprietary and branded solutions. Trish also shares gorgeous full-color photos of selected pieces from her world-famous folding sample library in special gallery sections placed throughout the book.